Microstructural Evolutions of Polymer Blends by Statistical Analysis: Influence of Compatibilizer on Break‐up and Coalescence Processes

Abstract

AbstractSummary: Statistical analysis of the size distribution of a polymer minor phase droplets was successfully applied for the characterization of morphology in a LDPE/PA6 blend (75/25 wt/wt) obtained after mixing with adding SEBS‐g‐MA(S) compatibilizer and/or organoclay 20A. It was shown that the developed approach provided detailed analysis of the morphology development in the polymer blends, including the primary droplets formation of the minor polymer phase and their break‐up and coalescence. The introduction of organoclay increased the break‐up of primary droplets and completely suppressed their coalescence. The addition of compatibilizer S, in contrast to nanoclay, did not suppress coalescence but the mean size of the primary droplets as well the droplets formed at coalescence strongly reduced. The combined addition of compatibilizer S and nanoclay did not change the morphology development of the LDPE/PA6 blend. Both processes of the droplet transformation were accelerated, similar to the system with addition of compatibilizer S only. However, the increase of nanoclay amount disturbed break‐up of the primary droplets, and the mean size of these droplets increases. Thereafter, the mean size of droplets formed at coalescence also increased. The results of statistical analysis of phase morphology were found to correlate with the mechanical properties of the polymer blends. The fine dispersion of the minor polymer phase improved the stiffness of the polymer blends. For enhanced impact properties, the presence of relatively broad distribution of the minor polymer phase is necessary.